Chapter 51: Chapter 24

Abble leapt from the window seat swiftly while chewing on a chunk of jerky. “Training time.”

I groaned, lying draped over Jordan’s back like a saddle.

If Jordan got up right now, she could carry me around. She really did just let me do whatever I wanted. When I wasn’t outside swinging the sword thousands of times, I tried to irritate her, but that wasn’t a simple task. Which is the reason it had turned into a game for me.

“But I’m pretty conformable,” I mumbled.

Abble halted in front of Jordan with a blank expression. “You cuddle that dog more than me.”

“Jordan is clearly a wolf, and she doesn’t talk. It makes snuggling easier.”

Hmm. That is liable to have repercussions. I was getting a tad comfortable talking back to Abble. She was bound to put an end to that soon. My rebellious stage would soon require some discipline.

Abble’s palms landed on her hips. “Maybe you should go to your room tonight.”

Knew it.

I lifted my head up. “I am calling your bluff.”

Abble tossed her hand at the door. “Nobody stopping you. Go.”

“Okay,” I said, getting up and stretching. “Come, Jordan. I need a rest for tomorrow, anyway.”

When I was almost at the door, I knew she would give in.

“Kade—you are going to make me mad.”

I turned around with a smirk. “Are you conceding?”

Abble clenched her jaw. “No, but just know the repercussions of your actions.”

I grabbed the brass handle, kept my stare on her, and slowly turned it as her face frowned, almost in sync with the rotation. Then, following a long pause, I let go and rushed over to her as she still held a serious posture.

My arms encircled her for a hug. “Abble.”

“Yes, Kade?”

“You’re my dearest friend, you know that, right?”

Abble paused. “I’m your only friend.”

“Ouch.”

“Is this you begging forgiveness?”

I huffed, squeezing her. “Never.”

“Hmph.”

My hand dropped, and I stepped back. “Let’s get those stitches out before they heal into your skin.”

Abble rolled her eyes before spinning around. She pulled her shirt over her head, lobbing it onto the bed, before laying on her stomach—Abble got over her shyness rather quickly.

I sighed. “You’re going to show me more than you intend by just throwing your clothes off like that.”

“Did you see anything?” Abble asked, keeping her gaze pointed towards the window.

“No, but I almost did.”

Abble glanced back slightly. “Oh nooo, Kade, see a nipple. It’s okay. I’ve seen yours.”

I put my arm over my chest. Why did I feel embarrassed about that?

Abble cracked a smile. “Did you just get embarrassed?”

I grabbed Abble’s switchblade from the ebony nightstand and crawled onto the bed. “When you say it like that. Yeah,” I said, flopping down beside her.

Abble tittered, shaking her head as she returned her gaze forward. “I love you, Kade. You’re so funny.”

There was an unnecessary pause from me. I realised that was a lighthearted use of the L word, but it still stopped me in my tracks. The moment her lips spoke the phrase, I became uncomfortable, but not really in a bad way. It was a complex feeling.

Emotions had been odd ‌lately. This could be what Cain was talking about when he said I would need to learn to control myself. It wasn’t an issue right now, but it seemed like it might creep up on me soon.

Abble looked back at me when I didn't start removing the stitches immediately.

“Sorry.”

Why did I apologise? That was my go-to when nervous. Just say sorry even if there wasn’t anything to be sorry for.

Removing the stitches was easy. I simply cut the knot at each end and pulled them out carefully, but with haste. There was a touch of resistance when tugging, but Abble didn’t seem in pain. I should have removed this earlier, but the cut was deep, and I couldn’t take any risks. The sword training also caused me to hesitate about when to remove them.

After I had completed the extraction, I ran my finger over the long scab and noticed some whitening around it. I hoped this was new skin rather than the result of a poor sewing job.

“Kade?” Abble asked, playing with one of her curls and avoiding eye contact.

“The wound looks completely closed, and I know it is difficult not to move it while we train, but be careful still.”

Abble sighed. “Was me saying that too much? It was like me saying you’re great. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

My pause sent a message I didn’t mean, and Abble got up, holding her hand over her breast. As she grabbed her shirt, I turned around, sitting cross-legged with my forearms on my knees.

“Yes, I understand. It’s just I haven’t heard that word much, so it’s a bit strong for me in any context. You didn’t upset me,” I said, fidgeting with my fingers.

Why was I making such a big deal out of this? I am such a child.

Abble set her chin on my shoulder after putting her shirt back on. “Did your sister not say it to you? What about your parents?”

I hesitated. “No. Not really. I mean, I understand they did—I think. Mother said it occasionally, father was…”

“I won’t say it again.”

My cheek leaned into hers, which I instantly regretted, but Abble seemed fine with the show of affection. “You can—say it.”

I might have been the one acting odd, but why did this feel like it wasn’t an innocent ‘I love you’? We both were way too shy about this, and Abble clearly felt some way about me pausing.

Kade! Put that notion away. Wrecky is wrong. Abble is not into you. You promised you wouldn’t assume anything.

How am I assuming anything?

You’re looking too deep into this. Abble is just being affectionate, and you’re projecting your own discomfort onto her. This is a misunderstanding on your end.

I am going to stop talking to myself now because myself is talking back.

Abble removed her chin from my shoulder. “Well, now it feels weird, so no more of that talk,” she said, laughing, which allowed me to relax.

I turned around, keeping my legs crossed, and gestured for Abble to set her head on my lap. “Let’s get the threads out of your face. We left those in way too long.”

“Yes, doctor Kade,” Abble said in a deep voice and flipped around, putting her head on my lap.

Her eyes remained closed the entire time I removed the strings from her skin. Abble lips slightly smirked, and I wasn’t sure what that was for.

I collapsed the switchblade into itself. “All done.”

“How do I look?” Abble asked, opening her hazel-green eyes.

I put my thumb and pointer finger on my chin. “Hm. presentable.”

Abble frowned. “You’re really trying to push me today, huh?”

“You look beautiful, as always.”

Abble smiled. “Better.” She stared at me for a moment. “Are you planning to join the Guild? You dodge the question often.”

“I don’t know if they’ll want me, but I’ll try to join if you would like me around after we get there.”

“Why wouldn’t I want you there?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I'm not sure. You might make friends and not need me anymore. I can be annoy—”

Abble sat up, turning to me. “That’s not how this friendship works. It’s not of convenience anymore—I think through my actions, I have shown that you are an important person to me. We are in this together, no matter what the future holds. It sounds insane to say out loud, but I am fully prepared to help you kill Cain if we must. The Guild might even help.”

“He’s a Fallen. That is a death wish. I am not even sure it’s possible to kill him.”

“We could find another weapon made from a holy tree.”

“Just because it works on demons doesn’t mean it will kill a Fallen.”

Abble glanced over at Jordan before coming back to me. “We’ll figure it out.”

I paused at her words of loyalty. “We should get to training.”

Abble nodded. “Let’s.”

I grabbed my cutlass secured in the scabbard I had been training with, and Abble brought her short sword this time, making me nervous. She hadn’t once used her own blade. This would end with me running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

We proceeded out to the deck, where the weather was better now. It seemed like we were no longer in winter. Unfortunately, the hot, dry air bothered me, but the change was welcome. Cold temperatures were depressing.

Abble stopped in the middle of the boat, spinning around with a grin as she unsheathed her blade—something unpleasant was about to start.

“We are sparing. I’ll hold back, but you need to try, or I will cut your arm off. Got it?” Abble said, holding her blade up.

My face no doubt looked horrified. “Wait. You’re kidding, right?”

Abble shook her head. “It can reattach, so I’m not worried.”

“Just because Wrecky hand reattached doesn’t mean mine will. We’re two different demons.”

“You took a sword to heart. I think we can assume it will heal back.”

My sword rose with no confidence. “Please hold back.”

“You better—” Abble said as my sword flung past her head, and a grin emerged.

Although my overall speed didn’t improve, I learned not to waste energy on strikes that weren’t likely to connect. Small quick attacks would help me overcome my disadvantage against powerful individuals. I had to play the waiting game and be technical.

After a few swings, one of my attacks clipped her jacket, slicing it. This caused me to slow down, and Abble made me regret my hesitation.

Abble’s blade came towards my head, and I ducked just in time. She took the tip of my ponytail off, and my silver hair fluttered down as I thrust upwards towards her.

Again, she dodged it with minimal effort.

Rather than hold her sword up, Abble let it hang by her side, showing her lack of concern for my slashes. My swings were now just gliding past her as she stepped out of the way with no effort.

This humiliation motivated me to press forward.

Abble evaded my assault with a smile plastered on her lips. “Good job, Kade!”

Either Abble felt terrible about playing with me, or my attacks had gained momentum because she was parrying my swings now. Even though she was comfortably deflecting the blade away, I was making progress.

My eyes were concentrated on Abble’s every movement closely. She had a pattern to her attacks and was letting me guide her around the deck. This was likely because she was holding back, but my advancements got closer the more I predicted her manoeuvres.

A group of men were watching by the entrance to the hull and gave me nods as Abble and I danced around the shrouds ropes. Some cheering started as a block by Abble caused her to stumble from me, catching her off guard. Anthony even had a mildly impressed expression as he sat on his barrel in front of the quarterdeck.

It was good that everyone had relaxed about me being a demon. The looks of uneasiness had subsided over the past thirteen days. It was likely because they realised how hopeless I was, and my growth made me seem more human.

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My cutlass slammed into Abble’s, generating sparks, and she frowned at me. “Remember what I told you.”

“Spark equals damage to the sword. I know.”

I stepped back, and Abble took that chance to swing down at me.

After barely avoiding the strike, I thrust my sword forward. Somehow my blade nipped her shirt before Abble could dodge, and she came to a backpedalling stop.

Abble glowed. “Good! I am much faster than you, but you’re reading my moments”—She lowered her sword—“you’re ready for tomorrow.”

I held my blade to my side. “We're done? Are you sure?”

Anthony jumped off the barrel he was watching us from. “How about we start now?” he said, stopping in front of us.

Abble glared at him. “Tomorrow.”

“Why not now?” Anthony drew his sword. “Let’s see how capable he is. One day will not make the ass-kicking. I will give him any better.”

I stepped up to him. “I agree.”

Wrecky walked down the stairs from the quarterdeck, stopping next to us. “I agree with Anthony. Let’s see what Kade can do. One day is unlikely to change the outcome.”

Abble glanced over at Wrecky before shifting back to me. “Are you sure?”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

Abble’s eyes drifted between Anthony and me. “This is not a fight to the death. If a swing has the potential to kill, the sparing is over”—Abble sighed, lifting her hand into the air—“Take ten steps from each other, and you will start on my command.”

Anthony and I take our steps, coming to a stop.

I was going to embarrass this man. Anthony would pay for every word he said against me and every glare he gave. Of course, I was being petty, but I didn’t care.

We both spin around, staring at each other.

“Ready,” I said, holding my sword in front of me.

Abble nodded at me. “Start!” she said, throwing her hand down.

I took no time charging Anthony, and I don’t think he expected me to be quiet this aggressively as our swords bounced off each other, and he was backpedalling.

Anthony swung at me, but I stepped to the side quickly, clipping his shoulder, which caused him to drop his sword and stumble.

There were more cheers for me than him as the men gathered around.

Anthony caught himself from falling and scooped up this sword in an impressive recovery.

Our blades collided, sending a loud clanging as he blocked my strike. Anthony couldn’t slow my momentum in the slightest. He tried launching a few thrusts, only to leave himself open, giving me an opportunity to nick his arm and side.

I jumped out of his range, stepping back a few yards with a smirk.

This was moving along incredibly well. I didn’t think thirteen days would make this much difference.

I may have some talent.

“Would you like to continue, or have you had enough?” I asked, waving my sword at him.

Anthony looked around at all the snickering, and his face became red with anger before rushing me. His cutlass thrust towards my neck, and he grazed my skin, but it wasn’t anything concerning. It was actually sort of pathetic on his end.

It wasn’t surprising, but he definitely tried to kill me just now.

My fist struck him in the face, which ‌made him collapse to a knee.

I didn’t expect my punch to do that much. Abble and I hadn’t practised fist fighting since she wanted to focus on swordplay for now. However, that jab landed with strength.

As my cutlass sped toward his throat, I stopped at the last second, just before the sharp blade touched his skin. The fight was over. He would’ve been killed if I had completed that.

“I win—”

Anthony’s blade sank into my abdomen, erupting out the other side.

He spat blood onto my face before pulling his sword out and jumping to his feet.

I took a few steps backwards, dropped to my knee, and grabbed at my stomach as blood leaked out oddly. It had a consistency of syrup now. The wound slowly started burning, but the pain wasn’t horrible. I was more shocked than anything.

Abble was in front of me within seconds. Her blade dripped blood, and I saw Anthony’s head roll on the ground a few feet.

Everyone on the boat fell silent as blood spurted from Anthony’s neck and his body fell to its knees before tumbling to a shoulder.

Abble glanced back at Wrecky, flinging blood off her blade to the wood floor. “Is that a problem?”

Wrecky shook his head. “No, he was clearly planning to cut Kade’s head off before you stepped in. Nicholas was likely to do that when we returned—I’ll take care of the mess.”

Abble spun around, taking a knee in front of me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah, it hurts like hell, but it’s not going to kill me.”

Abble put her hand out, and I grabbed it standing up as I held my palm against the wound, still bleeding gradually.

“Let go to the room,” Abble nodded towards the door under the quarterdeck.

We made our way across the deck as everyone remained silent. As we reached the door, that pause ended with a few whistles and cheers sounding off before we walked into the officers’ quarters.

A smile came over my face.

I won that sparing match. That was a needed win for me, even if Anthony stabbed me in the stomach—I wonder if my father would be proud.

Coming into the room, Jordan immediately stood up, her ears on high alert. She was going to try and heal me, I'm sure.

“I am fine,” I said, but she paced around me with a low whimper, trying to drag me to the floor by my shirt. “Okay, okay, let me take it off first.”

After taking my shirt off, I go on my knees, sitting back on my legs as I let her lick my gash. Abble stared at me oddly, and I realised she didn’t know what Jordan was doing. This was really bizarre looking, without context.

“Her licking makes me recover rapidly. I’m not sure if it’s a sire thing or not.”

Abble glanced at Jordan. “Weird and gross.”

“Weird, yes, but is it really gross? Dogs and wolves lick their wounds.”

Abble squinted her eyes at me. “Yeah, but you’re not a dog or a wolf.”

“Wrecky thinks I am a Lycan, so I am kinda like one.”

“What?”

I sighed. “He said my hair and eye colour, plus my last name means I am probably an Alpha. I don’t believe it, but with all the crazy things going on, I don’t know what to believe.”

Abble head tilted. “Wait, what’s your last name?”

“Sterling.”

She blinked slowly at me. “Why am I only finding out about this now?” she said with a raised tone.

“You know about Sterlings?”

Abble tossed her arms up. “Of course I do—the hair and eyes I just thought were... coincidence. You said you came from Draycott, and there is no way a Sterling would live out there. That thought was tossed out the window.”

“I assure you, I am from Draycott, born and raised.”

Abble shook her head at me. “My mother loathed your family. She’s rolling in her grave right now.”

I swallowed. “How does that affect us?”

Abble frowned. “You really think I would just start hating you?” she said before walking over and sitting down on the window seat, letting out a long exhale. “This might work to our benefit at the Guild.”

“Or bring unwanted attention, since I’m a demon.”

“How is that even possible? Mother said a Lycan bite kills a demon. It seems incapable.”

I shrugged as Jordan finished and walked away, lying on the floor.

After grabbing a fresh shirt from the dresser, I ventured over and sat down next to Abble. We both remained quiet as Abble appeared to be lost in thought, looking at Jordan.

“We’ll reach Endeavor tomorrow. What are we going to do about her?”

I looked at Jordan. “I don’t know.”

Abble tapped her finger on her temple. “The red eyes are going to be the biggest problem. It screams demon or evil.”

Jordan blinked, and her eyes changed to a dark blue like mine.

“Um… problem solved?” I shrugged.

Abble’s head tilted. “I guess so. It’s still going to be iffy with her. Guards might not be okay with a giant ass wolf walking into the city. She barely fits through the doors on the ship.”

“Well, I am not sure what else to do.”

“She got on this boat somehow, with no one finding her. Can Jordan become invisible or something?”

Jordan’s eyes blinked back to red as her attention was directed at us.

“Cain had an ability called misdirect that could make him less noticeable. Maybe she can use it? Or perhaps it’s not strong enough to work walking through the centre of a busy city. Cain is a fallen. His might be way more powerful.”

Abble put her head back against the window. “Jordan walked through Lockward fine”—she sighed—“All we can do is wing it and hope for the best.”

We kind of glossed over what had happened on the deck. I wanted to bring it up because it felt like it needed some acknowledgement. Abble just killed someone for me and didn’t think twice about it. I felt the need to at least say thanks for saving me.

“Thank you for saving me out there. I know you’ve been doing that a lot lately. Sorry if I am a burden. I didn’t think Anthony would be that petty.”

Abble glanced over at me with her head still on the window glass. “Please assume everyone is a piece of shit from now on.”

I nodded my head. “Understood.”

“It wasn’t hard to kill Anthony. You didn’t hear him trying to cause a mutiny over you being a demon. My father would’ve likely killed him after they returned, as Wrecky said. That was probably the only thing that kept them from trying to take the boat over. If it failed, they all knew what their fates were. Everyone fears Harper.”

“Was… that the first time you’ve killed someone?”

Abble stood abruptly. “I am going to take a nap,” she said, walking towards the bed.

“Would you like me to join?”

Abble kicked her boots off and crawled onto the bed, laying down on her maroon pillow. “Go cuddle your dog.”

I tittered, taking my boots off before climbing onto the bed and dropping next to Abble. She turned her head towards me but said nothing.

“Jordan had enough attention for today. I think you deserve some.” I grabbed Abble’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze.

Abble averted her eyes but smiled after. “Okay.”

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